Preview and Tips: SA Match Race Challenge

MATCH racing returns to Angle Park on Thursday night with a ‘golden ticket' through to the $145,000 Group 1 Adelaide Cup on the line for the greyhound which records the fastest overall time.

The ‘All Stars' have dominated the locals since the concept launched and according to TAB, will again be hard to beat with the four interstate raiders short favourites to win their respective matches.

FIELDS AND FORM ANGLE PARK THURSDAY

As is the nature of match racing, all eyes will be on the clock. The track record has fallen in each of the past two Match Race Challenge series, Aston Rupee (2021) and Wow She's Fast (2022), and last start SA Derby winner Schillaci will be aiming to make it three in a row after running just 0.14 outside the mark in his devastating victory last Thursday.

Here's a look at each of the four matches.

Match 1
1. Transponder (Jason Thompson) $1.18
Won four in a row before his most recent start including a slick 29.72 at The Meadows. Takes a few strides to get into his work but accelerates quickly if given racing room. Defeated Big Energy in the recent Speed Star in 29.26 at Sandown but did run wide at the first turn. Should be quick enough to hold his place through the first turn and set a solid marker for the rest of the series.

2. Could Be King (Ben Rawlings) $5
Has built a solid record of six wins from 12 starts over this distance at Angle Park but just one of those wins has come since April. His lack of early speed has seen him stepping up in distance where he has enjoyed some success. Will appreciate the extra space afforded in this format and will be doing his best work late.

Match 2
3. Panama Pepper (Ben Rawlings) $1.15
Well travelled having raced extensively in Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, Panama Pepper will make his first start for South Australian Ben Rawlings. Has broken 29.70 twice at Albion Park including twice at Listed level during the recent Brisbane Carnival, as well recording wins in 29.63 at Cannington and 29.34 at Richmond. Has only been beaten twice when finding the lead early – once in 29.47 at Wentworth Park, the other in 29.63 at Cannington. If he steps, he wins.

The match-ups are out for Thursday night where we will see some of SA's best young chasers take on the All-Stars with a spot in the Group 1 Adelaide Cup on the line! Take a look at the pairings who will battle each other and the clock at Angle Park on Thursday night! pic.twitter.com/wY7kyVW36j

— Greyhound Racing SA News (@GRSANews) September 18, 2023

4. Fiorano (Brenda Oakey) $5.50
The former Victorian has found his groove since moving to South Australia in July. Resuming after a four month spell, he won two of three at Gawler before graduating to Angle Park, where he has won five of his six starts including his last three. Incredibly consistent – all five wins at Angle Park have been between 30.50 and 30.55 – he'll need to find several lengths to cause an upset.

Match 3
5. Finniss Jewel (Ryan Tugwell) $8
Youngster running in great fashion having missed a place just twice in his 11 career starts, winning six of them. Another that lacks early speed and will therefore likely relish this format, but this is a massive step up in class and a big ask against one of the country's most exciting young pups.

6. Schillaci (Jihad Talgi) $1.08
Stunning performance in the SA Derby has him primed for this. He found four lengths off his heat win (30.27) to win the group 3 feature in 30.00, just 0.14 off Wow She's Fast record set in this series last week. Has only had 12 career starts so it's not unreasonable to expect continued improvement – not that he should need it to claim this match.

Victorian Schillaci has claimed the Group 3 SA Derby for trainer Jihad Talgi, producing a sizzling run of 30.00 including a 5.10 first split in a dominant performance. @GRV_News
Catch the replay here ???? pic.twitter.com/MFZROICRiN

— Greyhound Racing SA News (@GRSANews) September 14, 2023

Match 4
7. Dash Of Blue (Richard Pearce) $5
The rising three year old is racing in career best form, albeit over more ground. His recent runs suggest there's a good race somewhere for him over the middle distance, but will likely find his rival too smart here.

8. Big Energy (Jackie Greenough) $1.18
The top seed for the recent Speed Star match race series at Sandown Park, Big Energy trialled 30.42 at Angle Park last week and connections believe he should take considerable benefit from his first car trip interstate. Won his maiden in 29.72 at Cannington at his second career starts, won the Runway at Sandown in 28.93 at start number 10, and won in mixed grade at The Meadows at start 11. If he gets the start right – watch the clock.

Big Energy for Jacqueline Greenough produced a nice trial at Angle Park on Thursday night as we gets closer to the Match Race Series and the 2023 TAB Adelaide Cup stopping the clock in 30.42 in an impressive first look at headquarters! pic.twitter.com/wHDH2Ydy6n

— Greyhound Racing SA News (@GRSANews) September 16, 2023

Overall
While each match race is a one sided affair, the overall market is comparatively more open. Schillaci is a deserved favourite, though on pure speed, Big Energy is better value at $3.20. Panama Pepper is worth an each way play at a price.

The first match will jump at 7.55pm.